A deep blue coat and pants, those unforgettable amber eyes, a short wolf-like tail tucked behind his head, and a tall, upright figure like a pine tree.
My wavering uncertainty vanished the moment he pushed open the door.
Gu Fan stepped in steadily, backlit by the morning sun, with the faint mist not yet fully dissipated, creating a hazy filter behind him through the light.
I stared, entranced, instinctively gazing at this irresistibly charming boy. But when I noticed him looking around, seemingly searching for a suitable seat, I slipped into the staff break room, poking just my head out to secretly watch him.
Strange… why am I hiding? I haven’t done anything wrong or betrayed Gu Fan. Maybe it’s just shyness?
No, to be precise, Gu Fan’s the one who’s wronged me! Analyzing my current emotions, I also noticed a few unfamiliar people trailing him.
They weren’t in school uniforms, but judging by their looks and demeanor, they were probably his classmates.
Biting my nails in frustration, my sharp senses vividly transmitted the feeling of blood being squeezed away under pressure to my brain.
I inexplicably found myself drawn to this sticky, oppressive sensation, my teeth alternating between light and heavy pressure on my nails.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Jealousy burned inside, like a fire had been lit. Despite the heater and my thin uniform, my body, which had felt slightly chilly, suddenly flushed with heat.
I’m so mad! I only missed one day of hanging out with Gu Fan, and these people just swoop in like that? Seizing every chance—don’t they know I’m the more important one in Gu Fan’s heart?!
I really wanted to march up to Gu Fan’s classmates and blurt out these thoughts, but I only rehearsed them in my head a few times, savoring the thrill before tossing them into a mental shredder.
Too undignified. I need to use more elegant and poised methods to make Gu Fan dislike them and choose only me.
Or better yet, make those people lose interest in him. If I could make Gu Fan as isolated as I am, that’d be even better!
Wait… no, no, how could I wish for Gu Fan to fall into such a state? Shouldn’t a proper wife hope for her husband to thrive?
Snapping back to reality, I realized I’d subconsciously already cast Gu Fan and me as a married couple.
How presumptuous of me—things aren’t even close to that yet.
Besides, didn’t I say I’d handle this gracefully? How did I lose control again, slipping into extreme ideas? What if I get too carried away one day…?
After reining in my thoughts with some rational restraint, I watched longingly as Gu Fan and his classmates sat laughing and chatting in a corner.
A few adorable cats wandered over, circling Gu Fan and begging for the gentle pets that used to be reserved for me. I couldn’t help but feel sharp pangs of jealousy in my heart.
I was annoyed about having to work today. If I could take off this uniform and change into my regular clothes, I’d rush to Gu Fan’s side, drag him away without a word, and leave this place.
The thought of quitting crossed my mind again. After some careful thought, I decided to first make up for the days I took off, then consider whether to quit my job as a maid at the cat café.
That way, I could spend more time monitoring Gu Fan’s whereabouts, ensuring I’m the only one he goes out with for strolls, dates, or walks.
Even if I can’t control everything so thoroughly, I’d at least demand that Gu Fan report his daily schedule to me.
I deeply suspect—does Gu Fan sneak around when I’m sleeping, spacing out, or during my period…
…when I’m feeling unwell, or any time I’m not by his side keeping an eye on him, he’s secretly hanging out with his friends, chatting and joking with other girls.
Tch, now that I think about it, it’s highly likely. Isn’t the scene in front of me a perfect example? If I weren’t working here by chance, I might’ve been kept in the dark.
Fuming, I gripped the hem of my skirt tightly, the white ribbon tied around my waist creaking in protest under the strain. I ignored it, letting my body vent its frustration.
At first, seeing Gu Fan show up out of nowhere, I thought he might be here to surprise me, and I was thrilled.
I even started feeling self-conscious about the strapless mini-dress I was wearing, thinking it was too suggestive.
But… it turns out Gu Fan came with friends—at least, I don’t think he’d actively invite others to do something together… right?
In comparison, I wasn’t too worried about Gu Fan finding out I work at the maid-and-cat café. If he teased me about my maid job… well, that wouldn’t be so bad.
Even if, in real life, I had to devote myself entirely to serving Gu Fan, I’d be willing to do it.
Isn’t that how people are? Willing to change for the person they love.
As long as it’s for the ultimate goal of staying with Gu Fan forever, I feel driven by a courage so full it could fill my entire being.
Maybe I’m crazy, but this is my true intention, my true heart. My dark, filthy soul keeps conjuring all sorts of thoughts about Gu Fan.
No matter how much I wrap them in a veneer of justice and kindness, it doesn’t change the fact that their core is dirty.
“Xiao Shen? Xiao Shen, where are you? Where’d you run off to?”
The manager’s voice echoed leisurely through the sparsely populated shop. The soft chatter of customers couldn’t drown out her loud voice, and I was sure everyone in the room heard what she said.
Luckily, Gu Fan didn’t seem to notice. He was focused on his phone, tapping away at the screen, probably texting someone. He looked completely engrossed.
I stared so hard I almost went cross-eyed, wishing I could turn invisible and dash to his side to see who he was messaging.
Forget it… The priority right now is to stop the manager from talking. I don’t want Gu Fan to spot me at a time like this.
After all, I need to focus on work today and can’t just lure him away from his friends to hang out with me, like I did at his birthday party.
“Manager… over here, here.”
Crouching low and sticking close to the wall, I moved silently to the counter, whispering as quietly as possible to stop the manager from calling out for me again.
The manager’s hearing was sharp enough. My single whisper was enough to halt her next move.
“Hey, Xiao Shen, where’d you run off to?”
Seeming to sense my predicament, the manager ducked behind the counter in the same crouched position, lowering her voice to ask.
“…My childhood friend came to the shop. I haven’t told him I work here yet, and he brought a few friends with him…”